Abstract: A pager system in which individual pagers have a database is disclosed. The database can be updated by transmitting a mask code and update data. The mask code indicates a mask stored in the individual pager itself which receives the data. Using the mask code, the mask is identified and used to indicate positions in the database where data is to be written.

Abstract: A pager based information system (2) is used to transmit both conventional individual and group messages (using pager capcodes (76) for pager identification) and three types of unconventional multi-recipient (M-R) messages (using database ID's (68), multi-level group (MLG) ID's (78) and M-R group ID's (46)), all using the conventional POCSAG pager transmission format. Operation of the pager (6) is software controlled through the use of a microprocessor (8) and RAM (16); auxiliary chips are not needed because of the relatively slow transmission speeds. Authority to receive the M-R messages is provided at the time of manufacture (electronic serial number (ESN) (74)) or via broadcast (database ID's, MLG ID's and group IDs). Database messages are stored in pager RAM in a hierarchical or tree structure.

Abstract: A pager based information system is used to transmit both conventional private messages (using unique pager IDs) and two types of unconventional multi-recipient (M-R) messages (using database IDs and group IDs), all using the conventional POCSAG pager transmission format. Operation of the pager is software controlled through the use of a microprocessor and a RAM; auxiliary chips are not needed because of the relatively slow transmission speeds. Authority to receive the M-R messages is provided at the time of manufacture (database IDs) or via broadcasts (group IDs). Database type M-R messages are stored in the pager RAM in a hierarchial or tree structure. The software controlled pagers permit the over-the-air modification of the operation of selected pagers, such as the addition or deletion of group IDs and the change in the tree structure of the storage area for the database messages.